Kids Play Team Lead (Southwest)

Why Your Role Matters 

Join our team at the Greater Austin YMCA as a Kids Play Team Member Lead and take the next step in your childcare career! In this role, you will play a pivotal role in creating a nurturing and engaging environment where children can learn and grow while their families focus on their fitness and wellness goals. Must be able to work Monday through Tuesday from 3:45 pm to 8:15 pm and/or Saturday 8:30 am to 1:15 pm.

Pay Range: $15.00-$17.00 per hour, DOE

Work Location: Southwest YMCA Center, 6219 Oakclaire Drive, Austin, Texas 78735, United States.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Lead a team of Kids Play Team Members in delivering enriching activities and implementing a comprehensive curriculum that supports children's social, physical, spiritual, and mental development.
• Design and create weekly and monthly thematic curriculum plans that align with YMCA values and promote holistic child development.
• Develop engaging and age-appropriate activities that incorporate learning objectives in areas such as literacy, numeracy, social skills, and physical fitness.
• Incorporate current educational trends and best practices into curriculum planning to ensure a dynamic and enriching experience for children.
• Welcome members and children warmly, building strong relationships and ensuring a positive experience for all families.
• Facilitate activities that encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and cooperative play among children of varying ages.
• Model respectful and nurturing interactions with children, promoting their emotional well-being and social skills.
• Ensure the safety and welfare of all children in the Kids Play area, maintaining a secure environment in line with YMCA standards.
• Uphold YMCA rules and policies consistently and fairly, ensuring adherence among team members and program participants.
• Communicate effectively with parents regarding their children's participation and progress, fostering strong partnerships with families.
• Oversee the cleanliness and organization of childcare areas, ensuring they remain welcoming and safe throughout each shift.
• Assist in training and mentoring new team members, promoting a collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Actively participate in staff meetings and contribute to continuous improvement efforts within the program.
• Lead by example in promoting the YMCA's mission, vision, and values.
• Serve as an ambassador for the organization with internal and external stakeholders.
• Be the ultimate storyteller of the YMCA's work and culture.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

What You Bring to the Y

• Minimum age requirement of 18 years.
• Fluency in Spanish/English preferred (not required).
• Previous experience in a childcare setting, with demonstrated leadership capabilities.
• Proficiency in leading activities and creating engaging experiences for children aged 8 weeks (about 2 months) to 12 years.
• Current certifications in First Aid, CPR/AED, and Emergency Oxygen are preferred.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure situations, with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to YMCA values and promoting a culture of inclusion and community.
• You have a growth mindset. You quickly learn from failure and value feedback in the effort to continuously improve.
• You are a team player. You are a team player with a positive, service-oriented attitude and you can work well with others. 
• You communicate effectively. You listen for understanding and meaning. You speak and write effectively. 
• You are customer focused. You build good customer relationships and deliver customer-centric solutions.
• You foster a culture of inclusion and belonging. You leverage people's differences as strengths. 

Physical Requirements: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, talk, and occasionally lift and/or move items, including equipment, furniture, and/or children. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.